Explore

Connect

29 Things to Remember for the New Year

1. Choose a narrow path. The sooner you pinpoint exactly what you want to achieve in your life, what you want your legacy to be, the sooner it will happen for you. Don’t choose the well beaten path; create your own. Dare to be different and aim for the moon (in order to reach the stars).

2. Embrace change. If life were consistent and without ups and downs, it would be boring, bleak and monotone. We’re here to dodge bullets, get back up when we’re kicked down and make decisions for ourselves. It’s all about building your character. Never fear change, it could be exactly what you need.

3. Its okay to eat cereal for dinner. You only live once…

4. Own your mistakes. The only way to learn is to make mistakes. The only way to learn from mistakes is to own them. You’ll be surprised how much people will value you for owning your mistakes, no matter how small your role in them.

5. Appreciate what you have before you ask for more. Because there is always someone worse off than you.

6. Take care of your body. It’s the only place you have to live. But never forget you don’t have a body, you have a soul. Your exterior will never define your interior.

7. Who you are is not what you have; its what you do with what you have. Ever noticed how some of the happiest people in the world have the least? It isn’t about what you have (material things or achievements), but what you decide to do with that. Your life is your legacy. How do you want to be remembered?

8. Be Loyal. In love, friendships, and most importantly with your family. Stay true to your word.

9. Laugh more.

10. Words are powerful. It takes just two to commit your life to another. Words are powerful – choose them wisely.

11. You can never be over educated. Want to learn another language? Its better late than never. Thinking about taking art classes? You never know what it will lead to. You are only limited by your choices.

12. Be gracious. Be humble. Be kind.

13. Live in a new place. You will be surprised as to just how much our surrounds shape us.

14. Live within your means. Life isn’t about keeping up with the Jones’s.

15. Have an opinion. Voice it, engage in healthy debate, but never be rigid and close-minded.

16. Be proud. Credit where credit is due. Learn to welcome compliments and accept them – by doing so you will provide value to them and soak them up like a sponge. It will lead to better work in the future.

17. Accept criticism. But know when to distinguish between constructive criticism and a genuine insult. If someone insults you, it says more about them than it could ever say about you.

18. Get outdoors more.

19. Spend time with anyone older than you. Age = experience. Experience = wisdom. Spend time with your grandparents and ask questions. No one stays on this earth forever – make the most of the time you have.

20. Be honest. People will value your opinion if it is raw, honest and made with consideration.

22. Take a day off. Do something you have always wanted to do. By yourself.

23. Track your finances better.

24. Work hard(er). Set your goals higher and higher… your limits are only those you believe to be true.

25. Smile at strangers.

26. Keep a journal. Sometimes the best way to clear your mind and keep a clear vision is to jot down your thoughts at the end of the day or week. Consider what you did, who you met, how you felt, what was on your mind. Think outside the box and sort through your thoughts rather than offloading your troubles onto someone else.

27. Escape into a film. Bad day? Don’t dwell on it. Escape to someone else’s reality or jump inside a fiction. Two hours later you’ll have forgotten the trivialities.

28. You are the company you keep. If your friends aren’t bringing joy into your life, maybe you’ve outgrown them. Don’t be afraid to make new friends that understand you (and where you’re at in life right now). Adapt. Change. Learn. Grow. Evolve.

The latest:

78

Leave a Reply

Connect with

I allow to create an account

When you login first time using a Social Login button, we collect your account public profile information shared by Social Login provider, based on your privacy settings. We also get your email address to automatically create an account for you in our website. Once your account is created, you'll be logged-in to this account.

Such a sweet and inspirational post. Good things to remember (or learn) this year. And I actually love number 27! Too often I beat myself up for wasting time or being too lethargic to take control of the day. But you’re absolutely right; sometimes we need to sit down and zone out, relax, take a moment for ourselves to recharge and remember that taking a break from life isn’t a waste of time. Sometimes stepping outside of ourselves allows us to return to life with a fresh perspective. xx

So many beautiful points! Thanks for this reminder, Brooke!
Love, Dani

Vote Up0Vote Down

4 years ago

Guest

Natalie

Most of these were beautiful–I disagree, however, with discouraging of monetary donations. Volunteerism is wonderful, but unfortunately most non-profit organizations would not exist if not for ongoing financial support. Please donate to these as you are able. Sure, volunteering your time makes yourself feel great, but we are in a reality where time alone is only one of many resources that keep charities afloat.

Dear Brooke,
It’s like you’re inside my brain! Thanks so much for putting together a post I’m always meaning to write! So important and today was the perfect day to find it. Well done miss! 🙂 Happy New Year to all you folks on here!

Vote Up0Vote Down

4 years ago

Guest

Kara W

I definitely aim to work even harder next year. Great inspirational list for the new year.

Hey, thanks for this great article. New year is something that allows to make changes in our life which we usually couldn’t do during the entire year.
You point about choosing the narrow path is so true for if you set up a goal which is too wide and too big.. it is possible that you would never reach there.. so it is good to have small nuclear yearly goals
while keeping your eyes on the real objective
That was a great post and i loved each of the point and couldn’t agree more. Thank you 🙂

Laugh more! So true! Even though it is sometimes hard I just discovered even if you are in a bad mood it is worth smiling, this will release endorphins and will then make you happier! Works for me and makes life so much better 🙂

Words are powerful, that’s a great one. I’m still constantly seeking to use my words to spread love and kindness, it’s not always easy!

Vote Up0Vote Down

4 years ago

Guest

Whitney

Thank you, Brooke! Great words to live by. I appreciate your honesty and love following your adventures.

Vote Up0Vote Down

4 years ago

Guest

Anita

Man, that was wonderful. Thank you for the words of inspiration.

Vote Up0Vote Down

4 years ago

Guest

Marie @ Marie Away

So many great reminders. The first one really resonates with me. I spent my years in university thinking in such broad terms, never dedicating myself solely to one purpose. It’s only within this last year that I’ve realized that I will only be happy doing exactly what I love. There is no compromise to be made. It’s an important point in my life. Thank you.

Vote Up0Vote Down

4 years ago

Guest

James

These are such inspirational tips to live by.. I’m glad I am not the only one that enjoys cereal for dinner!

One of the many reasons you are quickly becoming my very favourite blogger! Thanks for another wonderful post. Polly x

Vote Up0Vote Down

4 years ago

Guest

Christine

I’m so glad you mentioned spending time with people older than yourself! I have a close relationship with my grandfather and have learned so much by listening to his wisdom and advice.

Vote Up0Vote Down

4 years ago

Guest

Mariam

Fantastic post! These are great reminders, I will definitely need them this year!
Thanks and take care :)xx
PS: Did you redesign your website? It looks awesome, I love it!

Vote Up0Vote Down

4 years ago

FROM THE EDITOR:

Hello, Hola, Bonjour!
My name is Brooke Saward and I have been travelling the world solo for the past seven years. Here you can find my travel inspiration & advice to help plan your own adventures or gain the confidence to travel solo. Thanks for stopping by!